Radicals (song)

Last updated
"Radicals"
Song by Tyler, the Creator
from the album Goblin
ReleasedMay 10, 2011 (2011-05-10)
Genre Horrorcore [1]
Length7:21
Label XL
Songwriter(s) Tyler, the Creator
Producer(s) Tyler, the Creator

"Radicals" is a song written, produced, and performed by American rapper Tyler, the Creator, and features as the third song from his debut studio album Goblin . The song sparked controversy due to its lyrical themes, and it would receive even more controversy after a student attending the University of South Alabama wrote the lyrics to the chorus of the song on school property. [2]

Contents

Although not being released as a single, "Radicals" has become one of the most popular tracks from Goblin in recent years, possibly in part due to its controversies. [3] The song also features additional vocals by fellow Odd Future members (and siblings) Taco and Syd tha Kyd. [4]

Background

As with many of his early songs, "Radicals" features many explicit lyrics and controversial, violent messages. Tyler is encouraging listeners to question authority and take action, although he expresses it in a violent way. However, he begins the song by asking the listeners not to take any of the violent lyrics seriously.

"Random disclaimer!

Hey, don't do anything that I say in this song, OK?

It's fucking fiction

If anything happens, don't fuckin' blame me, white America

Fuck Bill O'Reilly"

- Tyler, the Creator on "Radicals". [5] [6]

The chorus of "Radicals" became a sort of rallying cry for fans, and was chanted at concerts. [7] The chorus is actually reused from a song by fellow Odd Future member Earl Sweatshirt from his first mixtape Earl entitled "Pidgeons". The chorus of that song was written and performed by Tyler, and not Earl. [8] [9] The chorus of "Radicals" also features additional vocals by Taco and Syd tha Kyd.

The second half of the song is much calmer, and features backing vocals from Syd tha Kyd. [10]

The song was performed live numerous times with Tyler's group Odd Future, usually as a show closer. [11] [12] [13] In some cases, the group were accompanied by the hardcore band Trash Talk. [13] [14]

Cancelled music video

In a 2011 interview with DJ Semtex, Tyler stated that he wanted to make a video for the song, but most likely wouldn't be able to as he wanted it to include him blowing things up. [15] In 2012, he would again talk about wanting to film and release a video, but this idea never came to fruition. [16]

Content and controversy

"Radicals" would become a subject of controversy in 2019. Jack Aaron Christensen, a student attending the University of South Alabama, was accused of writing the lyrics of the song in a library on the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, [17] and was arrested later that day. [18] The story was covered by numerous news outlets, including Billboard, [19] Pitchfork, [20] Complex [2] and Rolling Stone [7] The Mobile County District Attorney refused to comment, but the school's Vice President Michael Mitchell did decide to elaborate.

"The students involved in each incident have been barred from university property pending the outcome of student conduct processes. No matter the circumstances, our police must treat any possible threat with the utmost seriousness and act immediately to ensure the safety of our campus community." - Michael Mitchell. [7]

Christensen and another student (uninvolved with this case) were both charged with making terrorist threats and were expelled from the school. [2]

Tyler was previously banned from the U.K. and New Zealand for lyrics from his first two albums Bastard and Goblin , with "Radicals" most likely being one of the culprits. [21] New Zealand government officials called his lyrics "a potential threat to public order." [20]

Critical reception

"Radicals" received much attention in reviews for Goblin . In terms of positive reviews, Huw Jones from Slant Magazine called the chorus "(one of) music’s most provocative refrains of all time". [22] However, some critics weren't as kind to the song. In the Pitchfork review for Goblin, the track was called "cringe-worthy", [23] and the L.A. Times called it "one of the dumbest, laziest songs of the year". [24]

In an article about Goblin by Slate Magazine, half of the entire review was about just "Radicals". The reviewer called the first part of the song funny and cartoonish. He also described Tyler's lyrics from the second half (where he tells the listener to be who they want to be) as "unconvincing (and) corny". [25]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. [4]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler, the Creator</span> American rapper (born 1991)

Tyler Gregory Okonma, known professionally as Tyler, The Creator, is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. He has been cited as an influential figure in alternative hip hop during the 2010s. Okonma became well known in the late 2000s, when he emerged on the internet as the leader and co-founder of the music collective Odd Future. Within the group, Okonma participated as a rapper, producer, director and actor, releasing studio albums that he produced for its respective members. Okonma also performed on his sketch comedy show Loiter Squad (2012–2014).

<i>Bastard</i> (Tyler, the Creator album) 2009 studio album by Tyler, the Creator

Bastard is the debut studio album by the American rapper Tyler, the Creator. It was self-produced by Tyler, the Creator, and self-released free of charge on December 25, 2009, on Odd Future's Tumblr page. Due to its free online release and lack of retail availability, Bastard was initially considered to be a mixtape; however, Tyler and other sources in the future have referred to it as an album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Odd Future</span> American music collective based in California

Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, better known as Odd Future and often abbreviated as OF or OFWGKTA, was an American alternative hip-hop music collective formed in Los Angeles, California in 2007. The group consisted of rappers, producers, filmmakers, skateboarders, and clothing designers. The original members were Tyler, the Creator, Casey Veggies, Hodgy, Left Brain, Matt Martians, Jasper Dolphin, Earl Sweatshirt, Travis "Taco" Bennett, and Syd. Later members included Brandun DeShay, Pyramid Vritra, Domo Genesis, Mike G, L-Boy, Frank Ocean, and Na-Kel Smith.

<i>Earl</i> (mixtape) 2010 mixtape by Earl Sweatshirt

Earl is the debut mixtape by American rapper Earl Sweatshirt. It was released as a free digital download on March 31, 2010, on the Odd Future website.

Dominique Marquis Cole, known professionally as Domo Genesis, is an American rapper, DJ, and songwriter. He is best known for being a member of Los Angeles hip hop collective Odd Future. He has since continued his solo career, releasing his debut album Genesis in 2016 and founding his own record label in 2018.

<i>Goblin</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Tyler, the Creator

Goblin is the second studio album by the American rapper Tyler, the Creator. It was released on May 10, 2011, by XL Recordings. Goblin continues Tyler's dialogues with his fictional therapist Dr. TC, first heard on his 2009 album, Bastard. The album's songs were produced almost entirely by Tyler himself, along with a contribution from fellow Odd Future member Left Brain. The album features guest appearances from Odd Future members Frank Ocean, Hodgy Beats, Jasper Dolphin, Taco, Domo Genesis, Mike G and Syd.

The Jet Age of Tomorrow is an American production duo from Atlanta, Georgia and a sub-group of hip hop collective Odd Future that consists of producer-singer Matt Martians, and producer-rapper Pyramid Vritra. According to Martians, the group's music originated from instrumentals turned down by Tyler, the Creator and Hodgy, who liked the tracks Martians sent them, but could not use them in their own music. Outside of their work with the Jet Age, Martians is a member of The Internet with Odd Future member Syd, while Vritra is a member of his own hip hop collective, NRK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jasper Dolphin</span> American actor (born 1990)

Davon Lamar Wilson, better known as Jasper Dolphin, is an American actor, rapper, and stunt performer. He is best known for being the man who threw a drinking glass at Jamie Fox’s face while intoxicated he is also a founding member of American hip hop collective Odd Future, but has since ventured further into his career in acting. He starred in Jasper & Errol's First Time on Viceland in 2019, and was featured as a new member of Jackass on Jackass Forever (2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yonkers (song)</span> 2011 single by Tyler, the Creator

"Yonkers" is a song written, produced, and performed by American rapper Tyler, the Creator, released digitally as the second single from his second album, Goblin on February 14, 2011. It received controversy due to its violent lyrics and numerous disses, although it was critically acclaimed and landed on numerous year-end lists. Tyler also directed a music video for the single, which was also met with positive critical reception and earned him the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. Numerous publications have considered "Yonkers" to be Tyler's breakout song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She (Tyler, the Creator song)</span> 2011 single by Tyler, the Creator featuring Frank Ocean

"She" is a song by the American rapper Tyler, the Creator featuring the fellow American singer Frank Ocean. The song was written by Ocean and Tyler and produced by Tyler himself, it was released on May 10, 2011 as the fourth single from Tyler's studio album Goblin.

<i>Wolf</i> (Tyler, the Creator album) 2013 studio album by Tyler, the Creator

Wolf is the third studio album by the American rapper Tyler, the Creator. It was released on April 2, 2013, by Odd Future Records. The album features guest appearances from Mike G, Domo Genesis, Earl Sweatshirt, Left Brain, Hodgy Beats, Erykah Badu and Pharrell, among others.

The following list is a discography of production by Tyler, the Creator, an American rapper. Note: Tyler, The Creator's unreleased projects will not be included.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Martians vs. Goblins</span> 2011 song by The Game featuring Lil Wayne and Tyler, the Creator

"Martians vs. Goblins" is a song by American rapper The Game from his fourth studio album The R.E.D. Album. The song features Young Money's Lil Wayne and Odd Future leader Tyler, the Creator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Martians</span> American record producer, illustrator, singer and songwriter (born 1988)

Matthew Robert Martin, known professionally as Matt Martians, is an American record producer, illustrator, singer and songwriter. Aside from his solo career, Martians is a founding member of the hip hop music collective Odd Future and the alternative R&B band The Internet, and is one half of the production duo The Jet Age of Tomorrow with Pyramid Vritra, a sub-group of Odd Future.

<i>Rolling Papers</i> (mixtape) 2010 mixtape by Domo Genesis

Rolling Papers is the debut mixtape by American rapper Domo Genesis. The mixtape was self-released for free on Odd Future's Tumblr page on August 30, 2010. The mixtape's production was handled by Left Brain, Syd tha Kyd, and Tyler, the Creator.

<i>Purple Naked Ladies</i> 2011 studio album by The Internet

Purple Naked Ladies is the debut studio album by American soul band The Internet, a duo consisting of Syd tha Kyd and Matt Martians of Odd Future at the time. The digital version of the album was released on December 20, 2011, with a physical copy, with bonus tracks released on January 31, 2012. The album is the first physically released album on Odd Future's own record label Odd Future Records.

<i>The OF Tape Vol. 2</i> 2012 studio album by Odd Future

The OF Tape Vol. 2 is the only studio album by American hip hop collective Odd Future. It was released on March 20, 2012, by Odd Future Records and RED Distribution. It serves as the sequel to their debut mixtape, The Odd Future Tape (2008). The album features appearances from Odd Future members Hodgy Beats, Tyler, the Creator, Domo Genesis, Frank Ocean, Mike G, The Internet, Taco, Jasper Dolphin, Left Brain and L-Boy, as well as an uncredited appearance from Earl Sweatshirt. Production on the album was primarily handled by Left Brain and Tyler, the Creator, with Frank Ocean, Pyramid Vritra and Matt Martians also receiving production credits. Lyrically the album ranges from being serious to being satirical, with some tracks offering an overly absurdist take on rap.

"Am I a Psycho?" is a song by American rapper Tech N9ne, from his eleventh studio album All 6's and 7's. The song features vocals from fellow American rappers B.o.B and Hopsin. In the song, each rapper’s verse is based on the concept of insanity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Syd (singer)</span> American singer

Sydney Loren Bennett, known professionally as Syd, is an American singer and songwriter. She initially gained recognition as a member of the alternative hip hop collective Odd Future, and went on to co-found the band The Internet in 2011. In 2017, Bennett released her debut solo album Fin, followed by the EP Always Never Home. She released her second album, Broken Hearts Club, in 2022.

The following list is a discography of production by Left Brain, an American record producer and rapper, best known as a founding member of hip hop collective Odd Future. It includes a list of songs produced and co-produced by year, artist, album and title.

References

  1. ↑ Stewart, Allison (May 9, 2011). "'Goblin': Tired shock-rap music from Tyler the Creator". The Washington Post . Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 TRACE WILLIAM COWEN (17 September 2019). "Tyler, the Creator's "Radicals" Lyrics at Center of College Student Being Charged With Making Terroristic Threat". Complex.com. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  3. ↑ Healey, Shawna (18 February 2020). "Tyler, The Creator Calls Out Former Prime Minister Theresa May at BRIT Awards". aah-magazine.co.uk. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  4. 1 2 "Credits / Goblin / Tyler, The Creator". Tidal.com. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  5. ↑ Taylor, Drew (17 September 2019). "Tyler, The Creator lyrics lead to terroristic threat charge against student at University of South Alabama". CBS42. Retrieved 26 January 2024. Radicals" comes from Tyler's 2011 album, "Goblin." At the beginning of the song, Tyler released a disclaimer saying that the song shouldn't be taken seriously. "Random disclaimer, Hey, don't do anything that I say in this song, okay? It's f**kin' fiction. If anything happens, don't f**kin' blame me, White America. F**k Bill O'Reilly.
  6. ↑ Holub, Christian (26 October 2020). "A Look Back At The Many Times Hip-Hop Blasted Bill O'Reilly". Essence.com. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  7. 1 2 3 Blistein, Jon (17 September 2019). "College Student Accused of Making Terroristic Threat After Posting Old Tyler, The Creator Lyrics". RollingStone.com. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  8. ↑ "Tyler, The Creator's 'Radicals' sample of Earl Sweatshirt feat. Tyler, the Creator's 'Pidgeons'". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  9. ↑ "Hip-Hop Is Evolving, And So Is Tyler, The Creator". Stereogum. February 13, 2018. Archived from the original on October 13, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2018.
  10. ↑ Fadil, Samah (26 February 2022). "The Discography of one Tyler Gregory Okonma". Politics and Poetry.com. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  11. ↑ Barshad, Amos (16 May 2011). "Odd Future Live Show Surpasses the Hype". RollingStone.com. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  12. ↑ Madden, Michael (14 October 2011). "Live Review: Odd Future at Minneapolis First Avenue (10/12)". Consequence.net. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  13. 1 2 "TRASH TALK". DirtySkunks.org. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  14. ↑ Cosores, Philip (23 December 2011). "WATCH: ODD FUTURE AND TRASH TALK – "RADICALS" (LIVE AT THE ROXY)". BeatsPerMinute.com. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  15. ↑ Semtex, DJ (18 July 2011). "LUNCH WITH TYLER". Vimeo.com. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  16. ↑ http://www.formspring.me/wolfhaley/q/274605589202476103
  17. ↑ Turner, Samuel (18 September 2019). "Tyler, the Creator's lyrics have got an Alabama student in trouble". DazedDigital.com. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  18. ↑ ELIJAH C. WATSON (17 September 2019). "Alabama College Student Charged With Making Terroristic Threat After Quoting Tyler, The Creator Lyrics". OkayPlayer.com. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  19. ↑ "Tyler, the Creator Lyrics Lead to Terroristic Threat Charges for College Student". Billboard.com. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  20. 1 2 Matthew Strauss; Quinn Moreland (17 September 2019). "Tyler, the Creator Lyrics Lead to Terroristic Threat Charge for College Student". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  21. ↑ Darville, Jordan (17 September 2019). "Report: Student charged with making terroristic threats after writing Tyler, The Creator lyrics". TheFader.com. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  22. ↑ Jones, Huw (6 May 2011). "Review: Tyler, the Creator, Goblin". SlantMagazine.com. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  23. ↑ Plagenhoef, Scott (11 May 2011). "ALBUMS Goblin Tyler, the Creator". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  24. ↑ Roberts, Randall (10 May 2011). "Album review: Tyler, the Creator's 'Goblin'". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  25. ↑ Weiner, Jonah (12 May 2011). "Odd Future, Same as the Odd Past". Slate. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.